Downhill Cycling Trip

“Easy going Downhill - for the whole family”

Downhill Nature Trip

Nature friendly, fun and safe cycling tours from the Foia; with 902 meters, the highest mountain in the Algarve. You will cycle with our guide downhill through the green valleys of Serra de Monchique. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic views and let gravity do the work!

Itinerary The trip starts at the office in Mexilhoeira Grande (no car? no problem!) From here you are brought to the highest peak in the Algarve in the middle of the Serra de Monchique, by a mini-van. Enjoy here the stunning views to the west & south coast. The restaurant on top of this mountain is always open (except Saturdays) and can serve you a lovely coffee before you start the trip. After a good explanation you will cycle back to the coast… easy going downhill! The experienced multilingual guide will lead downhill you onto quiet land roads. The guide will stop at the most picturesque sites and shares information about the local wildlife and nature. Since 2001 Outdoor-Tours.com rolls down this mountain. We have now developed this tour into a safe & fun concept of cycling in the mountains, suitable for young people and for the not so young.

Rider age and bike sizes The trip is suitable for everyone between 12-70 years with some cycling experience. Young (teenage) cyclists should be able to touch the ground with both feet whilst seated. On our smallest bike (14″ frame) we normally see that the minimum height required is 150 cm (4ft9). See our friendly family prices below. The largest bike size is suitable for riders up too 200 cm (6ft6). To deliver optimal service during the tour a service car will follow with water and your belongings. The service car is also available in case a young or not so young rider wants a rest.

All Terrain Bikes - 24 gears & hydraulic brakes The aluminium ‘all terrain’ bikes are custom made and have safe hydraulic brakes from Magura, comfortable gel seats and front suspension. The handle bar is higher than on a normal bike, so you will enjoy a safe and comfortable sit position. We provide you with a helmet and a water bottle. The bikes come with an easy “grip shift” system to change the 24 gears. Every winter we completely service the bikes inside and out. This downhill trip we normally limit to 15 participants. In case you would be with a large family or a company day-out, we can cycle with larger groups and/or exclusively for your party..

Nature trip “The natural way to enjoy the Portuguese country side”:

After a long and easy descending with spectacular views we head further south. The remaining part you will cycle cross country through beautiful valleys with quiet tarmac roads. While cycling close to little farms, the local shepherd will always greet you. A local, light and tasty lunch is included. We end the trip on gravel roads to the warm estuary lagoon of the Ria de Alvôr, where you can spot flamingos and spoonbills in the winter.

The total distance is 35 km (22 miles) from which 60% goes downhill and 40% goes through quiet and flat valleys with only a few gentle and light hills.

We´ll meet at 09h30 at the main office in Mexilhoeira Grande, and will be back around 15h00. Fitness level required nº 2, difficulty B - see fitness levels.

Details We normally run these trips every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday; 09.30 - 15.00 hr. In case you would be with a group of 6 or more, and are interested in another day, please contact us

Price per adult: € 53.00 - anyone 18 years or older Price per child: € 39.00 - up to 17 years old (minimum age 12 years and > 150 cm/ 4ft9 tall) Child discount applies when each child is accompanied by at least one adult. Larger families please contact us. Are you not into cycling but do you want to join the day out with the rest of your family and friends? Join as non-cyclist and enjoy the mountains from our support vehicle. The price is €29 pp with lunch included. You´ll be following the group at all times. (You can book on-line at http://downhill-cycling-monchique.com/product/book-downhill-cycling-monchique/)

All trips include transport up the mountain, a professional bike guide, All Terrain Bike available in the sizes XXS to XXL (rider length 150 - 200 cm), helmet, gloves, a service car following the group and cooled water to drink the whole day.

Also included is a healthy and tasty home made pick nick lunch with vegetable soup, green salad, a pasta salad with vegetable and tuna, and a freshly squeezed orange juice.